Legislation proposing the permanent adoption or temporary extension of some beneficial measures enacted during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been published today. The Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill proposes changes in 30 specific legislative areas, which were modified by temporary provisions made under Scottish and UK coronavirus legislation.
New figures published by the Chief Statistician show that economic output is estimated to be back above pre-pandemic levels, a sign of the strength of the Scottish economy. GDP grew by 0.8% in November, meaning that economic output is now 0.6% higher than in February 2020, before the main economic impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) began to be felt.
8,275 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Please note that this figure now includes cases identified using either a first LFD (Lateral Flow Device) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive test.
Free confidential and impartial support to help people make a Universal Credit claim will continue to be delivered across Great Britain for the fourth year running. The Department for Work and Pensions ‘Help to Claim' support will be delivered independently by Citizens Advice, in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland, following a further £21.3 million investment.
The Boundary Commission for Scotland have confirmed details of their public hearing timetable as it enters the next stage of its 2023 Review of UK Parliament Constituencies. The Leader of The Highland Council, Margaret Davidson has welcomed confirmation that one of the five public hearings will take place in Inverness on 25 February 2022.
Commenting on the latest ONS public sector finances data for December 2021, James Smith, Research Director at the Resolution Foundation, said: "As we await further evidence of the impact of Omicron on economic activity, today's figures suggest that the latest wave has not had a huge effect on the public finances so far, with borrowing in December broadly in line with the OBR forecast. “Borrowing for the first nine months of the financial year is now £13 billion lower than the OBR’s October forecast, mainly reflecting the stronger-than-expected post furlough scheme labour market.
Action is needed now to change how Scotland's social care services are delivered so that it meets the needs, and improves the experience of, people relying on care and support. A joint briefing by the Accounts Commission and the Auditor General for Scotland says fundamental issues and threats to the future sustainability of Scotland's social care system need to be addressed.
Inflation reached its highest level in 30 years, and Britain's cost of living squeeze is likely to continue to tighten until next Spring when energy bills jump, the Resolution Foundation said in response to the latest ONS prices data. Inflation hit 4.8 per cent (CPIH) / 5.4 per cent (CPI) in December, with the latest rise driven by a broad range of factors from fossil fuels to clothing and food.
Members of The Highland Council's Corporate Resources Committee, that took place on 26 January 2022, have commended the success of the Modern and Graduate Apprenticeship Programme, a scheme which has enabled several hundred individuals to undertake training and enhance their skills in a variety of roles and locations across the Highlands. The apprenticeship programme has been in place since 2017 and is open to those aged between 16 - 67 years old.
The UK's pivot towards closer trade ties with the Indo-Pacific region, and particularly its trade agreement with India, could deliver big economic benefits eventually comparable in scale to the now defunct US trade deal, but it also carries far more uncertainty and risk, according to new Resolution Foundation research published on Wednesday 26 January 2022. A presage to India? - the latest report for The Economy2030 Inquiry with the LSE, funded by the Nuffield Foundation - examines the economic impact of the UK's new trade pivot towards the Indo-Pacific region, following the deliberalising of trade with the EU, and the stalling of progress towards a US trade deal.
Over 5,000 people have now enrolled in a world-class study for COVID-19 antivirals, meaning thousands of people have accessed the medicines Over 5,000 vulnerable people have now enrolled into a world-class study for the chance to receive life-saving antivirals, the government announced on Wednesday 26 January 2022. This ground-breaking achievement makes the PANORAMIC study the fastest-recruiting trial of its kind ever in the UK.
EMPLOYERS should think carefully before reducing sick pay for isolating unvaccinated staff, says a leading employment solicitor. Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said employers could put themselves at risk of contract or discrimination claims if they introduce rules without first seeking legal advice.
Donations of old laptops and PCs are being accepted at High Life Highland (HLH) libraries to help give children access to technology. HLH has teamed up with Budding Engineers, a local Community Interest Company based in Wick that provides a scheme called Tech4Tots & Teens.
To get the cheapest fares on Britains railways you'll want to use a Railcard if you can ... which typically give you 1/3 off of the off-peak fare.
The global economy enters 2022 in a weaker position than previously expected. As the new Omicron COVID-19 variant spreads, countries have reimposed mobility restrictions.
A free trade deal between the UK and India could bring huge benefits for Scotch whisky producers, as the UK Government looks to cut tariffs of up to 150%. The UK and India have this month launched negotiations on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement at an event in New Delhi.
From HMRC today. The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) has been temporarily reintroduced to support employers facing heightened levels of sickness absence due to COVID-19.
New figures today show Ministry of Defence (MOD) expenditure with industry and commerce in Scotland in 2020/21 was £1.989 billion. This is the equivalent of £360 per person in Scotland.
8,516 new cases of COVID-19 reported. Please note that this figure now includes cases identified using either a first LFD (Lateral Flow Device) or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) positive test.
Thousands of working families in Scotland could be missing out on an opportunity to get up to £2,000 a year to help with the cost of childcare, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding parents ahead of the February mid-term break. Tax-Free Childcare - the 20% childcare top-up - provides eligible working families with up to £500 every three months (or £1,000 if their child is disabled) towards the cost of holiday clubs, before and after-school clubs, childminders and nurseries, and other accredited childcare schemes.
